Effects of cholinergic and adrenergic agonists on the secretion of fluid and protein by submandibular glands of the guinea-pig and the mouse.

Significant differences were observed between the guinea-pig and the mouse in terms of the secretion of fluid, protein and secretory granules from submandibular glands in response to pilocarpine, phenylephrine and isoproterenol. In both the guinea-pig and the mouse, the secretory responses induced by pilocarpine, phenylephrine and isoproterenol were inhibited by pretreatment with 4-DAMP, phentolamine and propranolol, respectively. The results suggest that the submandibular glands of the guinea-pig and the mouse have M3-cholinoreceptors, as well as alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors, and that these receptors play different roles in the secretion of fluid, protein and secretory granules from guinea-pig and mouse submandibular glands.